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Science News for February 28, 2014


Detection of water vapor in the atmosphere of a hot jupiter

Scientists have made the first detection of water in the atmosphere of a hot Jupiter, tau Boötis b, using a novel technique that expands on the radial velocity method. The study confirms the presence of water vapor and also reveals the planet's mass, which was previously difficult to determine.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 28, 2014

Effects of meth use on brain metabolism, sleep studied

Chronic methamphetamine use is linked to excessive glucose utilization in the brain, paired with daytime sleepiness. The paradox of these symptoms can be explained by a biochemical process that occurs during sleep, cleaning up unnecessary connections between brain cells.

SourceWashington State University·DateFeb 28, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Competition breeds new fish species, study finds

A recent study found that competition between fish species in Lake Tanganyika drives the formation of new species. Two genetically distinct ecomorphs of a species have been identified, with large and small individuals occupying different habitats.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2014

To teach scientific reproducibility, start young

Researchers propose using software like R Markdown to teach students the concept of reproducibility, which can lead to more transparent science. The study found that introductory statistics students who used R Markdown for homework assignments showed gradual gains in preference and no negative impact on grades.

SourceDuke University·DateFeb 28, 2014

York physicists pave the way for more energy efficient technology

Researchers from the University of York have created a new class of magnetic materials and devices with improved performance and power efficiency. The breakthrough uses all-optical thermally induced magnetic switching (TIMS) to change the magnetic state of the material, reducing energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 28, 2014
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Worm-like mite species discovered on Ohio State's campus

A previously unidentified microscopic species of mite, Osperalycus tenerphagus, has been discovered on The Ohio State University campus. The mite, dubbed the 'Buckeye Dragon Mite', has a unique oral structure and is an extremophile, adapted to living in adverse environments.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Natural History·DateFeb 28, 2014

Peat soils as gigantic batteries

Researchers discovered that peat soils can act like gigantic batteries, using humic substances to accept electrons under anoxic conditions. When oxygen enters, these substances release electrons to oxygen, thereby regenerating their capacity to accept electrons and suppressing methane formation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 28, 2014

Burmese pythons pose little risk to people in Everglades

A recent study found that Burmese pythons present a low risk to people in Everglades National Park, with all reported incidents involving biologists being minor and non-fatal. The study suggests that pythons may abort strikes upon realizing the size of their potential prey, indicating they can assess size mid-strike.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateFeb 28, 2014
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Unearthing key function of plant hormone

Researchers have discovered a key function of plant hormone auxin in regulating the organization of the cell's inner skeletons. Auxin interacts with transmembrane kinases to activate ROP GTPases, which affect cytoskeleton structure.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·DateFeb 28, 2014

BNI study reveal unexpected findings

A randomized, double-blind trial of 621 adults found that Bevacizuman did not prolong survival for newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients. The results contradict earlier studies showing the drug's effectiveness in other diseases.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2014

Food production in the northeastern US may need to change if climate does

The Northeast region of the US is vulnerable to changes in food production due to climate change, with population growth and dietary choices expected to impact regional self-reliance. The region can satisfy its residents' food needs through a diverse range of crops and livestock production.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalRenewable Agriculture and Food Systems·DateFeb 28, 2014
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Study links poor sleep quality to reduced brain gray matter in Gulf War vets

A new study found an association between poor sleep quality and reduced gray matter volume in the brain's frontal lobe of Gulf War veterans. The study controlled for comorbid psychiatric conditions and found that poorer subjective sleep quality was associated with reduced total cortical and regional frontal lobe gray matter volumes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateFeb 28, 2014

Shaky hand, stable spoon: U-M study shows device helps essential tremor patients

A new study published in the journal Movement Disorders shows that a handheld electronic device can help essential tremor patients overcome their condition's effects. The device, called Liftware, improves patients' ability to hold a spoon still and eat with it, providing hope for those with debilitating hand shakes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMovement Disorders·DateFeb 28, 2014
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Diabetes and obesity more common in socioeconomically deprived regions

Research finds that living in a socioeconomically deprived region increases the risk of diabetes and obesity, regardless of individual social status. The study analyzed data from over 33,000 people and found significant correlations between regional deprivation and type 2 diabetes and obesity rates.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 28, 2014

Tropical Cyclone 16P forms near Fiji

Tropical Cyclone 16P formed near Fiji, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to the region. The cyclone was centered about 170 nautical miles northeast of Suva, Fiji, with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 28, 2014

Long-term study confirms success of method for detecting spread of deadly skin cancer

A decade-long study confirmed the effectiveness of lymphatic mapping and sentinel-node biopsy in detecting melanoma's early spread to lymph nodes, significantly prolonging patients' survival rates. The technique spares patients from unnecessary surgery and substantial costs for those with non-spreading tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Giant sunspot makes third trip across the sun

A giant sunspot has reappeared over the sun's horizon, marking its third trip around the sun in approximately 27 days. This region has produced two X-class solar flares and numerous mid-level flares during its previous trips.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 28, 2014

Ultra-fast laser spectroscopy lights way to understanding new materials

Scientists at the Ames Laboratory used ultra-fast laser spectroscopy to examine the electronic properties of iron-based superconductors, finding evidence of an electronically-driven nematic order. This breakthrough sheds light on the transition from normal to superconducting states and holds potential for advancing energy technologies.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2014

A molecular ballet under the X-ray laser

Scientists used the world's most powerful X-ray laser to take snapshots of individual free molecules, overcoming hurdles in imaging single molecules. The technique enables the study of ultra-fast molecular dynamics with unprecedented precision and detail.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2014
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Emergency alert in the cell

Researchers have uncovered a complex emergency program designated to save single cells and thus the organism itself when exposed to life-threatening conditions. The protein HSF1 plays a central role in coordinating this process.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Biochemistry·JournalCell·DateFeb 28, 2014

UCLA study finds robotic-assisted prostate surgery offers better cancer control

A UCLA study published in European Urology found that robotic-assisted prostate surgery resulted in 5% fewer positive margins and a one-third reduction in the likelihood of needing additional cancer therapies. This suggests that robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy may offer better cancer control with potentially lower downstream costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalEuropean Urology·DateFeb 28, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Tackling tumors with space station research

Researchers have discovered that some tumors behave less aggressively in microgravity compared to on Earth, sparking hope for new cancer treatments. The unique conditions of space exploration offer insights into genetic and cellular processes that cannot be replicated on land.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 28, 2014

Researchers identify brain differences linked to insomnia

Chronic insomnia is characterized by increased brain plasticity and activity in the motor cortex, which distinguishes poor sleepers from good ones. The study suggests that TMS may be used to diagnose and potentially treat insomnia through reducing excitability.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateFeb 28, 2014

Retention leads to discipline problems in other kids

A Duke University-led study of nearly 80,000 middle-schoolers found that students who repeat a grade contribute to a disruptive environment, leading to increased suspensions and discipline problems. The study suggests that supporting older and retained students through tutoring and peer mentoring can improve the entire school climate.

SourceDuke University·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateFeb 28, 2014

GOES-West satellite eyes soggy storm approaching California

A swirling Eastern Pacific Ocean storm system is heading towards California, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the drought-stricken state. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the region, warning of potential flash flooding and debris flows in areas that recently burned from wildfires.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 28, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

NASA satellite sees great freeze over Great Lakes

The NASA satellite captured a record-breaking freeze on the Great Lakes, with 80.3% of the lake's surface covered in ice. This is the most extensive ice cover since 1994, and scientists attribute it to persistently low temperatures across the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 28, 2014

3-D imaging sheds light on Apert syndrome development

Apert syndrome is caused by FGFR2 mutations, leading to early bone fusion, mid-facial deformation, and cognitive impairment. Researchers found that 3D imaging can estimate growth patterns and anticipate surgical outcomes, potentially improving patient-centered care.

SourcePenn State·JournalBMC Developmental Biology·DateFeb 28, 2014

Dangerous mistaken identity

Researchers at TUM have found that the heat shock protein Hsp90 binds to prefolded tau proteins, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. This discovery provides important insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease and may lead to new therapies.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell·DateFeb 28, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Beneficial anti-inflammatory effects observed when plant extracts fed to sick pigs

Researchers found that feeding plant extracts to weanling pigs challenged with PRRS and E. coli reduced the frequency of diarrhea, improved feed efficiency, and altered gut morphology. The study suggests that these extracts may be used to alleviate disease symptoms in pigs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateFeb 28, 2014